50 years ago when I started everything was simpler. You could ride any bike up to 250cc on a provisional licence without passing any test but could not carry a pillion until you passed the road test . When test day came it made sense to read the highway code first as there was a short verbal test after. You rode around a short circlar route in town observed by the tester and did an emergency stop when he jumped out in front of you (brave man) and that was it! You could then ride any bike 250cc and over and take a pillion as well. Now there are seemingly endless tests theoretical and practical for each cc range and tuition all of which has to be paid for and taken again should you fail a stage. Plus you need a mortgage for the insurance! Also the bikes themselves have so much technology built in that they are now pricing themselves out of the market for young buyers. It is no wonder the industry is in decline.
True, it's all bs now, marketing too and the youtube pawns sponsored to sell the 'latest' crap, it's all bolox. Time was you bought a good bike and a just hit he road, no plans just pure adventure.
Very true. The days of having a bike you could do some work on yourself are over. Years ago a user handbook that came with the bike had instructions on how to do valve clearances! Handbooks these days might have some instructions on tyre pressure (ironic) and have a phone number for customer service!
God forbid we try to raise riding and roadcraft standards for new riders! What a terrible world we live in! I recently did mod1 and mod2 and am thankful for the raised bar.
Always a good bunch of people at SBK factory Bristol . All the sales staff are young and ride bikes themselves on road and track and are pretty knowledgeable. Always worth a visit if you are on a ride out 😊
Do it mate. I have ridden for years, filmed the Turkey trip thinking I'd put together a couple of episodes. Had no idea people would be so interested! I've loved putting the videos out there. Enjoying where it's going. Let me know when you're up and running, i'll sub!
That would be epic!! As soon as I get my bike back from its custom work ( not long now I’m told) I’m going to film my ride and try and get some trips planned for 2025. I like the way your content is supernatural and candid and really entertaining to watch. Seriously I’ve almost watched all of yours just a few more left (really looking forward to what you have planned though) I’m hooked 😅
That's kind mate, thanks. Learnt a lot after a year or so posting (not always regularly). Just give me a shout if you have any questions about gear, cameras and filming etc. Look forward to seeing your custom bike!
I’ve had a small battery powered tyre pump that’s recharged with a USB cable. It’s brilliant. I use it on all of my vehicles and carry it with me when I’m on the motorbike. It’s quick and so convenient.
I had a Thundercat upon which the fazer was based. Toured France and Spain on it and did Lands end to John o groats on it twice, so it would make a great tourer. The SCR950 was an odd one. A 50hp cruiser based scrambler. Did look at one once but was put off by lack of power and got an XSR900 instead. I have read that those who have had one love them as have loads of torque and belt drive.
Totally new bike for me, never even seen one before. I did like the look of it though. Like a v twin scrambler. The Thunder at is an awesome bike. Had a couple of mates who had them years ago. The Fazer is the more conservative little brother.
That's another myth...I fitted Thundercat Yoshimura downpipes to a Fazer 600,the ports are further apart, nightmare of a job...heat,pull apart, then machine the flanges to fit the exhaust gaskets!
@@thebristolthunderbirddon't feel bad for them. There's a reddit thread with an ex employee giving the gory details. They said even they wouldn't buy a bike from there even if they could see the back office record for the bike!
Hi Matt. it all boils down to the cost. New bike prices are getting stupid and when you add the cost of the extras and the cost of apparel and the cost of insurance in the thousands, it is beyond the reach of most. CF Moto and Voge are bringing into the UK Very good prices and riders are now seeing quality in the bikes they are producing, Especially when they make the engines for KTM and BMW. Freddie Dobbs did a test on older bikes for the younger generation and the cost of insurance was cheap and maybe this is the route they need to go until they have experience under their belts. With a lot of the dealerships closing down and mechanics setting up their on businesses charging a fraction of the cost, i think this will be a breath of fresh air. Hopefully the main manufacturers will have to start bring their prices down or lose out.
Yes, all very true... but, the thought process and way of life, of the youth of today, has completely changed from how it was for the past generation when they were teenagers, plus all that they can have or already have, does not fit in with a life on two wheels, under the (expensive) compulsary bike clothing, covering up all that fancy Branded clotheing that has to be on display 24/7. All that the manufacturers are now doing with fancy and elaborate UA-cam clips and advertisments to pull-in the next gen of bikers seems to be proving itself as a waste of money and time. Sad but true..., coz i've seen and experienced it this way with my children.
It will be the cost issue first and foremost, and all other things will follow. Less young people riding, less focus on younger people which then creates a self-perpetuating cycle of the younger generation not even considering it. There will be ways no doubt of getting into it, but it will mean older bikes that need some spannering every once in a while - not a popular pass time for the emerging generation perhaps?
@@thebristolthunderbird good point there Matt, about the Spannering and not fitting in with today's kids. But bikes are a lot more reliable today and can often be fixed by hooking it up to a lap top, but that is not really the problem. It seems to be (as you said) the very idea of forking out the initial £££s for a maschine, then the long hassel to get a licence, the necessasary helmet and clobber, the tax and Insur. and then get wet and cold every time they go out for a rave with their mates., bearing in mind the 0,0whatever Alc limits that we didn't have then. I bought a dud bike in a derelict state for a couple quid from a mate and had the room, tools and determination to get it to work. I did get it running, bought a helmet, went for my 20 min. driving test, and was off to the youth centre afterwards to show off about passing first time. What was that thing they call MOT today, did it exist then? The following Sunday I went to the Blacksmith's Arms for a lunchtime pint and a packet of Golden Wonder Ready Salted with my mates, (yep, we were underage but looked older) but got plastered..., none the less, I rode home, and puked up on the garage floor as I got off the bike, then sleeping it off till supper time. What a bollocking from my Mum I got that day! That's how simple (and adventurous) it was to become a biker back in the day, and that's why biking is no longer appealing to our present day youth. Too expensive, too complicated and not in keeping with all the modern day comforts and amenities that the modern day kids now have, but we didn't. Have a good week, Steve.
I use a bicycle floor pump for topping up pressure after winter for example it's 2 or 3 pumps to bring them back up the few psi they've lost. Had an electric one, noisy pita that broke within a couple of years. Manual pump still working perfectly 10 years on. Cost me £12. Maybe they're £20 now.
@@thebristolthunderbird Air compressor with tools included. Got mine because we have multiple vehicles and those 50p build up. Comes in handy for other stuff as well.
The Yamaha v twin you were looking at is also known as the Yamaha Bolt. They are a solid dependable bike, there are variations in the looks of some of them with different seat, shocks etc. they only have around 55 BHP but are mainly about the torque. Also you need to have some experience with cruisers to appreciate them.
I can not believe people don't check tyre pressure once a week, I have a foot pump and do my car van and two bikes each week, tyres are what holds you to the road, simple
I run my own motorcycle workshop & most of my customers are 40+. When I started riding big bikes at 18 I had allot of mates with bikes & every bike meet you would go to would have a similar age of biker. Now you don’t see many 25 or younger riders,I think some of the reason is the cost of the test,when I did mine it was like £40 after a couple years on the road,50 & 125’s then did my test on my own bike. Nowadays it’s £700+ just to do your 1st test then you have to pay more to get a bigger bike at a certain age. It’s a shame but it’s becoming a luxury rather than a hobby like when I started riding
I've noticed the same thing, all the bike meets seem to be guys 40+. It's definitely too expensive and is, as you say, a bit of a luxury. UK weather is pretty shite too! Didn't stop us though did it!? Just subscribed mate, love the workshop videos so will be catching up on some of yours.
@@thebristolthunderbird thanks for the sub,I have returned the favour👍us smaller channels need to look after each other👍 It’s a shame the younger generation can’t afford to get into this fantastic hobby. With cost of living & an expensive & complicated route to get your bike licence I think it’s put younger people off
Vfr750 i have only needs tyre pressure down more than 5 psi and it feels uncomfortable ! You can get valve dust covers that show red when low pressure or even wireless ones that send signal to dashboard display! Love the Fazer 👍
You can get little auto-air pumps, rechargeable, small enough to carry with you if necessary and relatively cheap as tyre pressures should be checked cold and before you use the bike, this would be great as you wouldn’t need to ride round looking for air at a service station. 👍🏼
good vid ..av age of a motor bike licence holder in the UK is 54 ...the kids these day find it easier to pass one test for a car and if they can get insured drive any car with big power ...were as with a bike licence you are restricted by your age and the power of the bike you can ride ...and when you look what you get when buying a car compared to two wheels and a seat ..the manufacturers have done them selfs no favors pricing bikes the way they do ...
I had a noise on my fazer thou, after doing the front pads and disk and found the shim that goes on top of the pads fits both ways but is only correct one way. Switched them round and noise went away
I’m a 33 year old home owner with no kids and the owner of a street triple 675, have to say that I think it’s the general cost of everything in the world going up. I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 20 (passed my test at 17) if it wasn’t for a bereavement in our family I would of never been able to afford getting a bike again, not only that but friends who are currently ‘L’ plate riders are being quoted around £1500 to pass their test, put on top of that insurance which I’ve also heard for young new riders to be in the thousands too. 17 year olds now just want to get a car. Finally think that most younger people are either trying to save for a mortgage or paying rent on houses and all the bills that come with it, which in all honesty doesn’t really give you much leeway for spare money in my opinion.
Very true. A motorcycle is a luxury, unless you've decided it's going to be your only form of transport. Having a car and a motorcycle is likely out of the question for most younger people. It's not cheap anymore.
I had a fazer, sounds like you've got the same sound I had. Took my front mudguard off and rode it and the sound was gone, turned out once I changed tyres the noise completely went.
Matt, there are many reasons for this. Young people are using Uber or public transport because it's more convenient for them. Brands are putting pressure on dealers by cutting their credit lines and asking them to invest heavily to meet brand CI guidelines. Due to the current economic situation, people are reluctant to spend their hard-earned money on necessities, let alone toys like a motorcycle. Real motorcyclists don't change their bike every season, they keep their bike to get to know it (which usually takes more than one season). One thing that isn't new, but is also a factor, is that motorcycles last a long time if they are properly maintained. Look at your Triumph, how old is it now? But seeing you at Superbike Factory I can imagine that dealers leave brands and move into used market / workshop business. Brands will sell online with adding 1-2 flagship stores per country where you can see the desired bike in the flesh, book a testride and handle aftersales issues (read: warranty issues).
I used to tour to France and Germany on my Fazer. Ideal bike for the job. With regards demographics of motorcycles- they have become much too expensive for youngsters to pass test and purchase bikes. Also roads are much busier than when I started in 1976
It sounds like your noise may have gone after you put air in, but if it persists check the front tyre……I had a similar noise & it was caused by the Bridgestone BT 023 I had fitted, I fitted an Avon Spirit ST & it was silent….sheer bliss 😁
I hate to say it Matt but that 11psi would have been showing higher than it was, you had warmed up the tyre riding to the garage. For a more accurate reading I think you need to take the reading when the tyre is cold. I brought a Makita tyre inflator for £50.00 which uses the same batteries as my cordless drill after I had the run around like you did trying to find a garage with a working tyre inflator. Ride safe, glad to see your on the mend.
If you aspect a front puncture. Man. Not sure I’d go and test it on a dual carriageway. But just for this problem , as someone who commutes 100 miles a day on my v strom, I have installed a tyre pressure monitor. You get to see a live reading constantly so you know very quickly if anything is wrong. I’ve had nails go into my tyres and almost send me flying upon acceleration. On the age thing. I think that younger riders may not have the money to go through a car licence and a motorcycle licence with the lessons and the 2 mods and the extra theory. I reckon that it’s become simply too expensive for them.
I like the idea of a tyre pressure monitor. I did lose some pressure on the way to Turkey last year, was checking pretty much daily, but a few times it had dropped too much. Would have been good to have something that would have flagged up low pressure.
I have also noticed that the turnout of younger riders is very low mate, such a shame. The only company thats doing well is the Royal Enfields these days, nobody wants big bikes with big engines. Great video Matt and glad your better, Ps the Fazer sounds awsome!!
Hi Matt, great to hear customer service from Portuguese rental company. Having seen there low season prices and fancy a first time winter trip to Portugal , do they speak English? Lovely fazer, thanks.
Hi. Yes they do, really good English too, and their comms are amazing. Very clear emails, and information. Makes you feel safe parting with your money which is always a bit of a fear when renting stuff abroad.
Why would anyone pay a £199 admin charge, RIP OFF merchants, + they do all their own finance which is very expensive as well, + rough & ready bikes 🤨 No thanks 👍
You should ask that young fella at the bike factory entrance if he has a motorcycle and wat he thinks. Its defo the insurance companies, but its also where you live that insurance sky rockets. My insurance for my 125cc full A is just under £300 im only 35. Im in Northern Ireland.
Hi mate, it's a mixture of everything you mentioned and more. When I took my bike test, bikes were seen as rebellious , they represented freedom, a cheap mode of transport, passing your test was cheap, insurance... Now it's anything, but the government doesn't seem to help either, it appears, with their net zero agenda, emissions are also making it difficult, bikes are becoming super expensive, especially the larger and faster bikes. Bikes don't represent freedom or a cheap mode of transport. They represent an expensive hobby and with the cost of living atm...the youth would rather spend their money else where..
Is it strange that I’m gutted that I’m not going to get to see someone I don’t know’s holiday home movie? Lol. Matt, if you can resist Flap Jackery next time you are in Wells, there is now a moto cafe called Garage Six Coffee House @ Quckshifter Coffee. Well worth checking out the opening times and going for a ride down there. 😎
Good afternoon. I am a 40 year old guy and had my full bike licence for about 6 years now. I can tell you it is expensive to do the tests buy all the gear etc which i think is too expensive for the younger generation. I have noticed over the last couple of months that there do seem to be less and less younger people on motorcycles. Just don't think the interest is there now it seems to be all about being on online careers or playing computer games in the house.
The barrier to entry for young riders is too high. I had a Fazer 600 as my first big bike after my test. I had to get rid of it after a month. The speed and acceleration were addictive and I was writing cheques my skill couldn't cash. I knew I'd either end up dead or without a license. So downgraded to a KTM390 Duke. Lots of fun. Still miss my Fazer though =)
Great video mate, that Yamaha you were looking at …SRC 950 … has really got the best looks … I was really interested in one of those… until I sat on it…. what a disappointment it was… heavy, unbalanced and probably the most uncomfortable seating experience I’ve ever had….but test it yourself and see what you think about it 😏
That's interesting. The bike clearly didn't take off even though it seems to have all the right ingredients. It's always the way; when you finally get on a bike you kind of 'get it' or you don't.
Make great flattrackers...guy I chat to on Instagram raced one,though the guy who made the bodywork threw out the moulds when he moved from California to Georgia, Foss on the banks of Loch Ness would bash out a metal one!
7:17 - I'll never not be salty about having to pay for air, it's air for god sake. Back when I started riding my local supermarket had free air and it got them lots of business from me because I'd buy all my fuel there and do my air every time. Same again when I was in Lincoln, I'd go out of my way to use a different petrol station because of their free air. Nowadays though I can't remember the last time I saw a free machine, it's so short-sighted of providers. I've got a hand pump at home, and a couple of crappy compressors, but I want to find one that uses a petrol-station-style push fit and it doesn't seem like anyone makes them. I don't like the screw ons, you lose half the air you put in just taking them off, and the lever-fit on my hand pump is too big for the gap between the drum and dish on my Magna's rear wheel. It seems like the only push-fit options require you to have a full garage compressor though, rather than a little standalone unit. Very annoying.
It's on the Christmas list! Probably had 10 of them over the years, who knows where they are now. I have a fag lighter pump for my car, maybe I should use that?...
I think price is the biggest kicker for entry to bikes now, price and the licensing system. If you're 17, 18, you can go out and get a car license and you're done forever. If you want a bike you'd be stuck on a 125 at that age, then pay for the bike test once to get A2 at 19, another two years wait, then pay for it again to get your full license at 21. It takes too long and costs too much, and then the insurance will be crazy even when you get a bike. Bikes used to be the cheaper option of the two, both for the cost of the vehicle and the cost to get on the road, but now you really have to want it. Add in the theft, the risk, and the government pushing against it (they recently admitted they have no policy to encourage motorcycling), plus the war on speed sapping the fun out of riding, and it's a hard sell I think. I hope something changes, and we are seeing a shift now to smaller, cheaper, simpler bikes after the last decade or two of expensive tech-fests, and that might help accessibility, but I really think there needs to be wider changes with legislation, and with a move back to the previous A2 license system where it automatically derestricted for free after two years. For dealers, I think it's cost again, because no-one who isn't having a midlife crisis can afford a new bike, unless you want to get financed to the gills. I've been riding for 13 years, I couldn't come close to affording a new bike outright, even if I sold all of mine and consolidated. SBF has some of the lowest prices around, and sell such a variety of older bikes which are more affordable to run and insure, and that I think is why they're doing better than the factory ones. They've got a broader audience, and a higher quantity of sales even if there's lower profits per unit. By selling used bikes too, they're not being forced into big mandatory stock purchases, or all the accessories, parts, clothing etc. that regular dealers are stuck with. I think second hand dealers in general will weather the storm far better than new ones. I blow very hot and cold on SBF specifically mind. I bought my Suzuki Vstrom from them a few years back, at the Macclesfield one, and the bike itself was perfect, but the customer service was absolutely terrible start to finish. If I did have issues with the bike, I don't reckon I'd have had much luck with them. There's no point selling to them either because they do the WeBuyAnyBike type method of lowballing the shit out of people in order to preserve their profit margins at low selling points. I had a Vulcan 800 Classic, and I think from memory they offered me less than half what I got from other dealers. But I guess people know that, and most of their stock will be trade-ins from people wanting speed over cost.
Lots of good points there mate. I think you're right, the second hand dealers are going to do better as the squeeze seems to be on for brand dealers and new bikes. I guess SBF have to make it work somehow and offer low purchase prices to keep things ticking over. I think everyone, everywhere is feeling the pinch.
I bought a bike from them nearly 2 years ago and everything was fine,bike as described dropped off when they said. Probably only got 2 more years left in the bike as do high mileage commuting. Will definitely use them again
It's the license laws now don't attract younger riders but then there's the safety issue with young riders so the industry is between a rock and a hard place
As a youth worker I can confidently say that none of the young people I work with regularly have a bike... and none that I know of are even dreaming of one. To be honest I think parents are probably not encouraging kids onto bikes these days, all the messaging around "think bike" campaigns is around the safety etc.
Hi Dave. That's interesting. I remember everything on two wheels was a focus! Me and your brother along with Fletch and the rest of them spent all our time messing about on bikes - even that isn't a thing anymore. I'm not going to blame social media and smartphones, that makes me sound too old. Haha.
I was watching another UA-cam channel possibly 44 teeth and they were saying that the average age of motorcyclist's now is 55. They also said that it's a very long winded process for younger riders to get there full bike licence, maybe it should be made easier to get more people out on motorbikes.
I agree. Something needs to be done, feels like a dwindling (age wise) bike community.
10 днів тому
The EU laws that makes it hard to get a bike license is pretty effective though: According to a study by the European Commission, there were just 11 biker deaths per 100,000 registered motorcycles in 2018 vs. 56.41 deaths per 100,000 registered motorcyclists in 2010 to 58.33 in 2019 in USA So the many steps to get a full license and better training requirements are definitely here to stay. It will be interesting to see if the new cheaper RE and various Chinese branded bikes will make more young people get into it.
With all the costs for different tests & licences, it's no wonder the younger generation just go for a car licence. Less hassle plus they can have all their tech in a car.
What day and time are you filming this . Not a single person in the dealership. A fortune in stock , how long can this be kept going ? I do not mean Superbike but dealerships in general .
Superbike factorys are like all the big shops. Cheaper than the small shops. So have you not answered your own question? Money is the root of all evil! We all like our money so we deserve what we get 😊
Having a motorcycle nowadays is getting too expensive for young people. Besides buying a bike you need to consider other yearly tax expenses and maintenance costs. Yesterday I bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special to go along my Thunderbird in my man cave. This same subject came up while doing the paperwork. Most of the younger generation nowadays are not interested in motorcycles anymore.
That Guzzi is a beauty! We've all been there though, young and fairly broke - and here we are buying a Guzzi to keep the Thunderbird company! Enjoy it mate.
@ since I retired I have much more time to enjoy my toys. Btw that noise you hear on the Fazer might be the tyre pattern hitting the road while rotating. Had that same problem on my MZ Mastiff until I changed the tyre.
Get rid of the plastic valve caps my 900 triumph for years front tire kept going down I changed the tubes I didn’t solve it put a metal valve cap on problem solved
@@thebristolthunderbird You'd be better getting tyre pressure monitors, eg Fobo 2s. Expensive, but good. You can then easily check your tyre pressures on your phone before every ride. I wouldn't use my wheelbarrow at 11 psi (warm).
I too worry about the decline of the kids wanting to ride, and where the motorcycle industey is going. It all has to do with how different the mentality of today's youth is, and that it's now much easier to purchase a car, than it was for us in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Even the Rules and Regulations for riding has drastically changed since we were young wild and free, becoming a lot more off-putting. Nobody wants to mess up his/her hair style by donning a helmet. Being the talk of the town with all their fancy Branded clothes and acceseries, that have to be visible at all times. The constant need to have a smartphone visible in your hand at all times, for the immediate response to Sheila's* selfie of her new mini leather D&G jacket....., etc. etc. There are so many more reasons that I could cry about for hours, so i'll have to shelve them all, until the day that we should ever meet up and have the oppertunity for a cry and a moan about the demise of this fantastic passtime together..., the hobby that we older folk still know how to appreciate, and even need at various times in our lives. I have 3 adult kinds but only my youngest, my daughter, bothered to take her 2-wheel test, the other 2 (boys) have never entertained the thought. Maybe for Lynda, it was a natural progression as she was as a child always more interested in what I did, on and with the bike, and often accompanied me on many of my trips, visiting all sorts of wacky (kid friendly) places as soon as she could reach the pillion pegs. She even gets on with carpentry better than the boys. It's all about the ways in which our society has changed..., a natural evolution I suppose, and now, just all part of the good old days that we were so lucky to be a part of. Haha, I feel I shoul be writing "amen" at this point, oh dear, how could I even think such a thought!!
I'm hearing you mate. Yes, there's been a shift of epic proportions since we were bombing around country lanes, not giving a hoot about what anybody thought. I'm sure all the things you mention, and more, have had some kind of impact on how the younger generation view motorcycles - as well as the uber fixation with safety too, which is of course understandable. We should meet up though at some point. Not sure where you're based but a trip to the Triumph factory in the spring would be a lot of fun.
If your into motorbikes ,then fine .A healthy interest .But if you look through the eyes of the non motorcyclist .Then were do you see motorcycles, in the every day . .You don't see them on the tv , i remember mark, from EastEnders owning a bike and hart beat . / Peoples, day to day .Goings about .There is nothing .. Adds on tv ,you could own this bike and go any were .Its so bad .And people wonder ,why it is the way it is .I cant remember ,the last monocycle item ,i think the hairy bikers .Was the last time i can think of some thing ,that put motorcycling out there . .And mcn is so bad for prompting motorcycling in peoples lives ,whats the motorcycle related news , ,,mcn is just all about, selling new motorbikes .NO NEWS .Every week .
@@thebristolthunderbird Another way, at looing at the motorcycle situation here in the UK .Theirs no Barry sheen and joey dunlop . .The list is long .What does it mean to ,do any thing these days .Hear today gone tomorrow .That's the feeling of the racing today .Done, and onto next year. / I read mcn, from the back to the front ,to try to read some thing about motorcycling .And whats going on .
Hi Matt, I enjoyed your video on motorcycles. I'm Rose from Carpuride, a company that specializes in carplay. We'd be happy to provide you with a free sample unit, a motorcycle stereo with an intercom, a compass, and a barometer, so you can try it out and share it with your audience! How can I contact you?😊
Hi Rose, thanks! Wow, that's incredibly kind of you to offer, would love to try that out and put a video together. Probably best to send me a DM through my instagram @thebristolthunderbird and I'll send all the contact deets from there. Thanks!
@@davidmatthews3093 Yeah, with yet another distraction for people who are supposed to be riding a motorcycle - as if they don't have enough already. I'm older now sure, but I just don't get it. Aren't the major draws of motorcycling freedom, adventure, discovery, escapism, being at one with your bike, the open road.....? That's what it always used to be. The perfect time to unplug from the "grid"? Nowadays so many of these people riding bikes are obsessed with gadgets and technology - phones, GPS, action cams mounted on every inch of themselves and their bikes, "motovlogging", constant visual and aural distractions, staring at screens just like they do every other place they find themselves in? What happened to getting on your bike for an impulsive ride, just for the sake of riding - no planned destination even, just the thrill of the journey? Your bike and the environment provide the sweetest music of all to my motorcycling ears. Satnav? Why do you think we have some of the most comprehensive road signage in the world? What happened to following your nose to all manner of wonderful and unexpected places and experiences - that special stretch of tarmac, that amazing view opening up before you, that wonderful cafe stop or perhaps a food van at the side of the road, listening to the wildlife and the steady tick of your cooling engine and feeling more alive than at any other times? What happened to just opening the throttle and letting the journey take you where it will?
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My wife is 54 I'm 60 and we mostly see our age group riding. Our son 30 has his full licence, but a huge mortgage, work and cost of living means no motorcycle. Seeing the crowds at Motorcycle Live, I don't think motorcycling is dead yet. I can definitely recommend riding out in Portugal & Spain By the way, those little battery-powered mini compressors off Amazon work well, and you can keep them with you on the bike with a puncture repair kit.
50 years ago when I started everything was simpler. You could ride any bike up to 250cc on a provisional licence without passing any test but could not carry a pillion until you passed the road test . When test day came it made sense to read the highway code first as there was a short verbal test after. You rode around a short circlar route in town observed by the tester and did an emergency stop when he jumped out in front of you (brave man) and that was it! You could then ride any bike 250cc and over and take a pillion as well.
Now there are seemingly endless tests theoretical and practical for each cc range and tuition all of which has to be paid for and taken again should you fail a stage. Plus you need a mortgage for the insurance! Also the bikes themselves have so much technology built in that they are now pricing themselves out of the market for young buyers.
It is no wonder the industry is in decline.
True, it's all bs now, marketing too and the youtube pawns sponsored to sell the 'latest' crap, it's all bolox.
Time was you bought a good bike and a just hit he road, no plans just pure adventure.
Very true. The days of having a bike you could do some work on yourself are over. Years ago a user handbook that came with the bike had instructions on how to do valve clearances! Handbooks these days might have some instructions on tyre pressure (ironic) and have a phone number for customer service!
God forbid we try to raise riding and roadcraft standards for new riders! What a terrible world we live in!
I recently did mod1 and mod2 and am thankful for the raised bar.
Never been Impressed with the superbike factory
Totally agree Fazer 600 , great bike.
For the price i'm not sure it can be beaten.
Had one for 12 years, can't find anything worthwhile to replace it.
Always a good bunch of people at SBK factory Bristol . All the sales staff are young and ride bikes themselves on road and track and are pretty knowledgeable. Always worth a visit if you are on a ride out 😊
Great video, love the contented seeing you ride back from Turkey has made me want to start my own channel. keep up the great work.
Do it mate. I have ridden for years, filmed the Turkey trip thinking I'd put together a couple of episodes. Had no idea people would be so interested! I've loved putting the videos out there. Enjoying where it's going. Let me know when you're up and running, i'll sub!
That would be epic!! As soon as I get my bike back from its custom work ( not long now I’m told) I’m going to film my ride and try and get some trips planned for 2025.
I like the way your content is supernatural and candid and really entertaining to watch. Seriously I’ve almost watched all of yours just a few more left (really looking forward to what you have planned though) I’m hooked 😅
ua-cam.com/users/shortsCJpfztx0s38?si=c5zDdq0EznVEuhIq ;)
That's kind mate, thanks. Learnt a lot after a year or so posting (not always regularly). Just give me a shout if you have any questions about gear, cameras and filming etc. Look forward to seeing your custom bike!
I’ve had a small battery powered tyre pump that’s recharged with a USB cable. It’s brilliant. I use it on all of my vehicles and carry it with me when I’m on the motorbike. It’s quick and so convenient.
That is a fantastic looking bike, that was my first big bike in 1999 when I past my test. Silver .
I had a silver one too years ago, it was immaculate! Wish I'd kept it. wish I'd kept all my bikes actually...
I had a Thundercat upon which the fazer was based. Toured France and Spain on it and did Lands end to John o groats on it twice, so it would make a great tourer. The SCR950 was an odd one. A 50hp cruiser based scrambler. Did look at one once but was put off by lack of power and got an XSR900 instead. I have read that those who have had one love them as have loads of torque and belt drive.
Totally new bike for me, never even seen one before. I did like the look of it though. Like a v twin scrambler. The Thunder at is an awesome bike. Had a couple of mates who had them years ago. The Fazer is the more conservative little brother.
That's another myth...I fitted Thundercat Yoshimura downpipes to a Fazer 600,the ports are further apart, nightmare of a job...heat,pull apart, then machine the flanges to fit the exhaust gaskets!
Portuguese biker camaraderie at its best! 👍👍
True, had so many nice interactions with the Portuguese over the last couple of weeks.
Lots of hate for superbike factory but i have brought 3 bikes from them now and all been bang on. Mt09,fireblade,r6
Thanks for the balance, was starting to feel bad for them!
@@thebristolthunderbirddon't feel bad for them. There's a reddit thread with an ex employee giving the gory details. They said even they wouldn't buy a bike from there even if they could see the back office record for the bike!
Hi Great video and also to show the importance of checking tire pressures. I would definitely invest in a compressor to avoid shop
airlines
👍
Thanks. It's in the post on its way to me!
I enjoy the format and approach..just subscribed and thats very rare for me..all the best.
Thanks Paul. I've always been a reluctant subscriber as well. I'll take that as a huge compliment!
Hi Matt. it all boils down to the cost. New bike prices are getting stupid and when you add the cost of the extras and the cost of apparel and the cost of insurance in the thousands, it is beyond the reach of most. CF Moto and Voge are bringing into the UK Very good prices and riders are now seeing quality in the bikes they are producing, Especially when they make the engines for KTM and BMW. Freddie Dobbs did a test on older bikes for the younger generation and the cost of insurance was cheap and maybe this is the route they need to go until they have experience under their belts. With a lot of the dealerships closing down and mechanics setting up their on businesses charging a fraction of the cost, i think this will be a breath of fresh air. Hopefully the main manufacturers will have to start bring their prices down or lose out.
Yes, all very true... but, the thought process and way of life, of the youth of today, has completely changed from how it was for the past generation when they were teenagers, plus all that they can have or already have, does not fit in with a life on two wheels, under the (expensive) compulsary bike clothing, covering up all that fancy Branded clotheing that has to be on display 24/7.
All that the manufacturers are now doing with fancy and elaborate UA-cam clips and advertisments to pull-in the next gen of bikers seems to be proving itself as a waste of money and time. Sad but true..., coz i've seen and experienced it this way with my children.
@millinutz totally agree
It will be the cost issue first and foremost, and all other things will follow. Less young people riding, less focus on younger people which then creates a self-perpetuating cycle of the younger generation not even considering it. There will be ways no doubt of getting into it, but it will mean older bikes that need some spannering every once in a while - not a popular pass time for the emerging generation perhaps?
@@thebristolthunderbird good point there Matt, about the Spannering and not fitting in with today's kids. But bikes are a lot more reliable today and can often be fixed by hooking it up to a lap top, but that is not really the problem. It seems to be (as you said) the very idea of forking out the initial £££s for a maschine, then the long hassel to get a licence, the necessasary helmet and clobber, the tax and Insur. and then get wet and cold every time they go out for a rave with their mates., bearing in mind the 0,0whatever Alc limits that we didn't have then.
I bought a dud bike in a derelict state for a couple quid from a mate and had the room, tools and determination to get it to work. I did get it running, bought a helmet, went for my 20 min. driving test, and was off to the youth centre afterwards to show off about passing first time. What was that thing they call MOT today, did it exist then? The following Sunday I went to the Blacksmith's Arms for a lunchtime pint and a packet of Golden Wonder Ready Salted with my mates, (yep, we were underage but looked older) but got plastered..., none the less, I rode home, and puked up on the garage floor as I got off the bike, then sleeping it off till supper time. What a bollocking from my Mum I got that day!
That's how simple (and adventurous) it was to become a biker back in the day, and that's why biking is no longer appealing to our present day youth. Too expensive, too complicated and not in keeping with all the modern day comforts and amenities that the modern day kids now have, but we didn't. Have a good week, Steve.
I use a bicycle floor pump for topping up pressure after winter for example it's 2 or 3 pumps to bring them back up the few psi they've lost. Had an electric one, noisy pita that broke within a couple of years. Manual pump still working perfectly 10 years on. Cost me £12. Maybe they're £20 now.
I need one of those again. 20 years ago we seemed to have a garage full of them. Where do these things go?
@@thebristolthunderbird Air compressor with tools included. Got mine because we have multiple vehicles and those 50p build up. Comes in handy for other stuff as well.
Have just done the same ….much better for just checking tyre pressure for a few psi 👍🏻
The Yamaha v twin you were looking at is also known as the Yamaha Bolt. They are a solid dependable bike, there are variations in the looks of some of them with different seat, shocks etc. they only have around 55 BHP but are mainly about the torque. Also you need to have some experience with cruisers to appreciate them.
Can honestly say I've never seen one before. Look like the ideal bike, v-twin, scrambler looking thing. Love it.
I can not believe people don't check tyre pressure once a week, I have a foot pump and do my car van and two bikes each week, tyres are what holds you to the road, simple
To be honest, i do check but nowhere near as often as it should...clearly
I run my own motorcycle workshop & most of my customers are 40+.
When I started riding big bikes at 18 I had allot of mates with bikes & every bike meet you would go to would have a similar age of biker.
Now you don’t see many 25 or younger riders,I think some of the reason is the cost of the test,when I did mine it was like £40 after a couple years on the road,50 & 125’s then did my test on my own bike.
Nowadays it’s £700+ just to do your 1st test then you have to pay more to get a bigger bike at a certain age.
It’s a shame but it’s becoming a luxury rather than a hobby like when I started riding
I've noticed the same thing, all the bike meets seem to be guys 40+. It's definitely too expensive and is, as you say, a bit of a luxury. UK weather is pretty shite too! Didn't stop us though did it!? Just subscribed mate, love the workshop videos so will be catching up on some of yours.
@@thebristolthunderbird thanks for the sub,I have returned the favour👍us smaller channels need to look after each other👍
It’s a shame the younger generation can’t afford to get into this fantastic hobby.
With cost of living & an expensive & complicated route to get your bike licence I think it’s put younger people off
@jbsworkshop thanks!
Vfr750 i have only needs tyre pressure down more than 5 psi and it feels uncomfortable ! You can get valve dust covers that show red when low pressure or even wireless ones that send signal to dashboard display! Love the Fazer 👍
The jacket in the thumbnail is deadly!
Thanks mate, (I'm assuming you like it!). It's actually pretty reasonably priced, about £90 if I remember right.
@thebristolthunderbird Yes I do like it! That price is amazing!
You can get little auto-air pumps, rechargeable, small enough to carry with you if necessary and relatively cheap as tyre pressures should be checked cold and before you use the bike, this would be great as you wouldn’t need to ride round looking for air at a service station. 👍🏼
I'm on it. Thanks!
good vid ..av age of a motor bike licence holder in the UK is 54 ...the kids these day find it easier to pass one test for a car and if they can get insured drive any car with big power ...were as with a bike licence you are restricted by your age and the power of the bike you can ride ...and when you look what you get when buying a car compared to two wheels and a seat ..the manufacturers have done them selfs no favors pricing bikes the way they do ...
I had a noise on my fazer thou, after doing the front pads and disk and found the shim that goes on top of the pads fits both ways but is only correct one way. Switched them round and noise went away
Thanks! I'm going to take a look at that. It's not too bad but something isn't right for sure.
I’m a 33 year old home owner with no kids and the owner of a street triple 675, have to say that I think it’s the general cost of everything in the world going up. I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 20 (passed my test at 17) if it wasn’t for a bereavement in our family I would of never been able to afford getting a bike again, not only that but friends who are currently ‘L’ plate riders are being quoted around £1500 to pass their test, put on top of that insurance which I’ve also heard for young new riders to be in the thousands too.
17 year olds now just want to get a car.
Finally think that most younger people are either trying to save for a mortgage or paying rent on houses and all the bills that come with it, which in all honesty doesn’t really give you much leeway for spare money in my opinion.
Very true. A motorcycle is a luxury, unless you've decided it's going to be your only form of transport. Having a car and a motorcycle is likely out of the question for most younger people. It's not cheap anymore.
Thanks for your kind words. We hope that you are feeling better, and we look forward to welcome you as soon as possible! Ride one!😉✌️
Thanks so much. See you in '25!
I had a fazer, sounds like you've got the same sound I had. Took my front mudguard off and rode it and the sound was gone, turned out once I changed tyres the noise completely went.
This is what many people are saying. What tyre did you go for?
@thebristolthunderbird battlax bt023, did have bt022 originally
Matt, there are many reasons for this. Young people are using Uber or public transport because it's more convenient for them. Brands are putting pressure on dealers by cutting their credit lines and asking them to invest heavily to meet brand CI guidelines. Due to the current economic situation, people are reluctant to spend their hard-earned money on necessities, let alone toys like a motorcycle. Real motorcyclists don't change their bike every season, they keep their bike to get to know it (which usually takes more than one season). One thing that isn't new, but is also a factor, is that motorcycles last a long time if they are properly maintained. Look at your Triumph, how old is it now? But seeing you at Superbike Factory I can imagine that dealers leave brands and move into used market / workshop business. Brands will sell online with adding 1-2 flagship stores per country where you can see the desired bike in the flesh, book a testride and handle aftersales issues (read: warranty issues).
I used to tour to France and Germany on my Fazer. Ideal bike for the job. With regards demographics of motorcycles- they have become much too expensive for youngsters to pass test and purchase bikes. Also roads are much busier than when I started in 1976
That's true. If I'm honest I don't really want my sons to ride yet. The UK roads can be pretty dangerous as well as poorly maintained.
It sounds like your noise may have gone after you put air in, but if it persists check the front tyre……I had a similar noise & it was caused by the Bridgestone BT 023 I had fitted, I fitted an Avon Spirit ST & it was silent….sheer bliss 😁
I'll look into that. A few comments have mentioned the same.
I hate to say it Matt but that 11psi would have been showing higher than it was, you had warmed up the tyre riding to the garage. For a more accurate reading I think you need to take the reading when the tyre is cold. I brought a Makita tyre inflator for £50.00 which uses the same batteries as my cordless drill after I had the run around like you did trying to find a garage with a working tyre inflator. Ride safe, glad to see your on the mend.
I will be investing in a mobile tyre inflator for sure. Sick of finding a machine that works!
I've had a couple of the Fazer 600's, there a wolf in sheep's clothing! And a light easy to ride bike.👍
They really are. Falling back I love with them.
Great content brooo
Cheers!
If you aspect a front puncture. Man. Not sure I’d go and test it on a dual carriageway. But just for this problem , as someone who commutes 100 miles a day on my v strom, I have installed a tyre pressure monitor. You get to see a live reading constantly so you know very quickly if anything is wrong. I’ve had nails go into my tyres and almost send me flying upon acceleration. On the age thing. I think that younger riders may not have the money to go through a car licence and a motorcycle licence with the lessons and the 2 mods and the extra theory. I reckon that it’s become simply too expensive for them.
I like the idea of a tyre pressure monitor. I did lose some pressure on the way to Turkey last year, was checking pretty much daily, but a few times it had dropped too much. Would have been good to have something that would have flagged up low pressure.
I have also noticed that the turnout of younger riders is very low mate, such a shame. The only company thats doing well is the Royal Enfields these days, nobody wants big bikes with big engines. Great video Matt and glad your better, Ps the Fazer sounds awsome!!
Thanks mate. The Fazer is a surprisingly good bike for the money. Those Enfields are awesome, love em.
Hi Matt, great to hear customer service from Portuguese rental company. Having seen there low season prices and fancy a first time winter trip to Portugal , do they speak English? Lovely fazer, thanks.
Hi. Yes they do, really good English too, and their comms are amazing. Very clear emails, and information. Makes you feel safe parting with your money which is always a bit of a fear when renting stuff abroad.
@@thebristolthunderbird thats great thanks.
@@debenhamdave4314, we are at your disposal. Best regards
@@northroadrentalstours3563 hello NorthRoad rentals may well be in touch soon regards a rental in March, thank you for you reply.
Why would anyone pay a £199 admin charge, RIP OFF merchants, + they do all their own finance which is very expensive as well, + rough & ready bikes 🤨 No thanks 👍
The fazer bikes by Yamaha were and still are awesome bikes. Excellent video.
Thanks mate. Those bullet flooring fazers will be around for a good while yet!
You should ask that young fella at the bike factory entrance if he has a motorcycle and wat he thinks. Its defo the insurance companies, but its also where you live that insurance sky rockets. My insurance for my 125cc full A is just under £300 im only 35. Im in Northern Ireland.
Hi mate, it's a mixture of everything you mentioned and more.
When I took my bike test, bikes were seen as rebellious , they represented freedom, a cheap mode of transport, passing your test was cheap, insurance...
Now it's anything, but the government doesn't seem to help either, it appears, with their net zero agenda, emissions are also making it difficult, bikes are becoming super expensive, especially the larger and faster bikes.
Bikes don't represent freedom or a cheap mode of transport. They represent an expensive hobby and with the cost of living atm...the youth would rather spend their money else where..
It's just hilarious that you have to pay for air at petrol stations in the UK. 😂
Tell me about it!
Is it strange that I’m gutted that I’m not going to get to see someone I don’t know’s holiday home movie? Lol.
Matt, if you can resist Flap Jackery next time you are in Wells, there is now a moto cafe called Garage Six Coffee House @ Quckshifter Coffee. Well worth checking out the opening times and going for a ride down there. 😎
Thanks for the heads up mate. I'll check that out. Haha, the holiday movie - next time!
Good afternoon. I am a 40 year old guy and had my full bike licence for about 6 years now. I can tell you it is expensive to do the tests buy all the gear etc which i think is too expensive for the younger generation. I have noticed over the last couple of months that there do seem to be less and less younger people on motorcycles. Just don't think the interest is there now it seems to be all about being on online careers or playing computer games in the house.
You might be right mate. Working from home, lots of online stuff and not out as much.
Santa defo needs to buy you a ring RTC2000 😎
Yes, I think he does! Thanks.
The barrier to entry for young riders is too high. I had a Fazer 600 as my first big bike after my test. I had to get rid of it after a month. The speed and acceleration were addictive and I was writing cheques my skill couldn't cash. I knew I'd either end up dead or without a license. So downgraded to a KTM390 Duke. Lots of fun. Still miss my Fazer though =)
Yeah, the speed thing, I've been there in my younger years and needed to stop riding for a few years before I wrapped myself around a tree!
Great video mate, that Yamaha you were looking at …SRC 950 … has really got the best looks … I was really interested in one of those… until I sat on it…. what a disappointment it was… heavy, unbalanced and probably the most uncomfortable seating experience I’ve ever had….but test it yourself and see what you think about it 😏
That's interesting. The bike clearly didn't take off even though it seems to have all the right ingredients. It's always the way; when you finally get on a bike you kind of 'get it' or you don't.
@ exactly, I was so hoping for a good feel of it…. ‘cause I really like the look of it… and I still do…. but it will never be in my garage…
Make great flattrackers...guy I chat to on Instagram raced one,though the guy who made the bodywork threw out the moulds when he moved from California to Georgia, Foss on the banks of Loch Ness would bash out a metal one!
7:17 - I'll never not be salty about having to pay for air, it's air for god sake. Back when I started riding my local supermarket had free air and it got them lots of business from me because I'd buy all my fuel there and do my air every time. Same again when I was in Lincoln, I'd go out of my way to use a different petrol station because of their free air. Nowadays though I can't remember the last time I saw a free machine, it's so short-sighted of providers.
I've got a hand pump at home, and a couple of crappy compressors, but I want to find one that uses a petrol-station-style push fit and it doesn't seem like anyone makes them. I don't like the screw ons, you lose half the air you put in just taking them off, and the lever-fit on my hand pump is too big for the gap between the drum and dish on my Magna's rear wheel. It seems like the only push-fit options require you to have a full garage compressor though, rather than a little standalone unit. Very annoying.
Yeah, it's a strange one paying for air when you think about it.
@@thebristolthunderbirdused to be free but that's inflation for u
Dude, buy a foot pump 😉
(Also recommend a good set of earplugs if you don't wear them already).
It's on the Christmas list! Probably had 10 of them over the years, who knows where they are now. I have a fag lighter pump for my car, maybe I should use that?...
I think price is the biggest kicker for entry to bikes now, price and the licensing system. If you're 17, 18, you can go out and get a car license and you're done forever. If you want a bike you'd be stuck on a 125 at that age, then pay for the bike test once to get A2 at 19, another two years wait, then pay for it again to get your full license at 21. It takes too long and costs too much, and then the insurance will be crazy even when you get a bike. Bikes used to be the cheaper option of the two, both for the cost of the vehicle and the cost to get on the road, but now you really have to want it. Add in the theft, the risk, and the government pushing against it (they recently admitted they have no policy to encourage motorcycling), plus the war on speed sapping the fun out of riding, and it's a hard sell I think.
I hope something changes, and we are seeing a shift now to smaller, cheaper, simpler bikes after the last decade or two of expensive tech-fests, and that might help accessibility, but I really think there needs to be wider changes with legislation, and with a move back to the previous A2 license system where it automatically derestricted for free after two years.
For dealers, I think it's cost again, because no-one who isn't having a midlife crisis can afford a new bike, unless you want to get financed to the gills. I've been riding for 13 years, I couldn't come close to affording a new bike outright, even if I sold all of mine and consolidated. SBF has some of the lowest prices around, and sell such a variety of older bikes which are more affordable to run and insure, and that I think is why they're doing better than the factory ones. They've got a broader audience, and a higher quantity of sales even if there's lower profits per unit. By selling used bikes too, they're not being forced into big mandatory stock purchases, or all the accessories, parts, clothing etc. that regular dealers are stuck with. I think second hand dealers in general will weather the storm far better than new ones.
I blow very hot and cold on SBF specifically mind. I bought my Suzuki Vstrom from them a few years back, at the Macclesfield one, and the bike itself was perfect, but the customer service was absolutely terrible start to finish. If I did have issues with the bike, I don't reckon I'd have had much luck with them. There's no point selling to them either because they do the WeBuyAnyBike type method of lowballing the shit out of people in order to preserve their profit margins at low selling points. I had a Vulcan 800 Classic, and I think from memory they offered me less than half what I got from other dealers. But I guess people know that, and most of their stock will be trade-ins from people wanting speed over cost.
Lots of good points there mate. I think you're right, the second hand dealers are going to do better as the squeeze seems to be on for brand dealers and new bikes. I guess SBF have to make it work somehow and offer low purchase prices to keep things ticking over. I think everyone, everywhere is feeling the pinch.
Superbike Factory ain't exactly got the best rep.
Not sure about that, haven't actually purchased anything from them. Maybe my view will change if I ever do!
Stick to that thought dont bother. Arthur Daily of the bike world @thebristolthunderbird
I bought a bike from them nearly 2 years ago and everything was fine,bike as described dropped off when they said.
Probably only got 2 more years left in the bike as do high mileage commuting.
Will definitely use them again
It's the license laws now don't attract younger riders but then there's the safety issue with young riders so the industry is between a rock and a hard place
As a youth worker I can confidently say that none of the young people I work with regularly have a bike... and none that I know of are even dreaming of one. To be honest I think parents are probably not encouraging kids onto bikes these days, all the messaging around "think bike" campaigns is around the safety etc.
Hi Dave. That's interesting. I remember everything on two wheels was a focus! Me and your brother along with Fletch and the rest of them spent all our time messing about on bikes - even that isn't a thing anymore. I'm not going to blame social media and smartphones, that makes me sound too old. Haha.
I was watching another UA-cam channel possibly 44 teeth and they were saying that the average age of motorcyclist's now is 55. They also said that it's a very long winded process for younger riders to get there full bike licence, maybe it should be made easier to get more people out on motorbikes.
I agree. Something needs to be done, feels like a dwindling (age wise) bike community.
The EU laws that makes it hard to get a bike license is pretty effective though:
According to a study by the European Commission, there were just 11 biker deaths per 100,000 registered motorcycles in 2018 vs.
56.41 deaths per 100,000 registered motorcyclists in 2010 to 58.33 in 2019 in USA
So the many steps to get a full license and better training requirements are definitely here to stay. It will be interesting to see if the new cheaper RE and various Chinese branded bikes will make more young people get into it.
Paying for air?….Get a simple foot pump and pencil gauge on your Christmas list…
Haha. Yes it's sad isn't it? It'll be canned water next, oh wait...
With all the costs for different tests & licences, it's no wonder the younger generation just go for a car licence. Less hassle plus they can have all their tech in a car.
True, it's not cost effective and isn't that warm this time of year!
14psi !,. That thing must have been steering like a barge ,.!
Haha, yes it did. Didn't notice how bad until I filled up. Night and day!
What day and time are you filming this . Not a single person in the dealership. A fortune in stock , how long can this be kept going ? I do not mean Superbike but dealerships in general .
Good point. This was a Sunday afternoon, perhaps not the busiest time, although maybe that's the ideal day to have a look round?
Superbike factorys are like all the big shops. Cheaper than the small shops. So have you not answered your own question? Money is the root of all evil! We all like our money so we deserve what we get 😊
Never take your bike for part ex at superbike factory as they rip you off!
Think my bikes aren't worth much even though I love them. My triumph will be like a trophy one day - I'll hang it on the wall somehow...
Bikes are just not a cheap alternative to cars anymore, the insurance prices are insane, add that to the rules the EU keep bringing in each year.
Having a motorcycle nowadays is getting too expensive for young people. Besides buying a bike you need to consider other yearly tax expenses and maintenance costs. Yesterday I bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special to go along my Thunderbird in my man cave. This same subject came up while doing the paperwork. Most of the younger generation nowadays are not interested in motorcycles anymore.
That Guzzi is a beauty! We've all been there though, young and fairly broke - and here we are buying a Guzzi to keep the Thunderbird company! Enjoy it mate.
@ since I retired I have much more time to enjoy my toys. Btw that noise you hear on the Fazer might be the tyre pattern hitting the road while rotating. Had that same problem on my MZ Mastiff until I changed the tyre.
So I guess you haven't purchased a bike from the superbike factory then... definitely not serviced and ready to go.
Haha. No I haven't, but I do know a mechanic that used to work there. He was a thorough guy at least.
Get rid of the plastic valve caps my 900 triumph for years front tire kept going down I changed the tubes I didn’t solve it put a metal valve cap on problem solved
That's interesting, I'll get some of those.
The valve caps are only supposed to keep crud out, not keep air in. The valve must have been faulty.
@@thebristolthunderbird You'd be better getting tyre pressure monitors, eg Fobo 2s. Expensive, but good. You can then easily check your tyre pressures on your phone before every ride. I wouldn't use my wheelbarrow at 11 psi (warm).
Did you pay for air? Wtf 😅
Welcome to the UK! Can't remember when we started paying for air actually, got slowly introduced.
Superbike Factory sell finance. That`s where the money`s at.
I lm carl I just getting over Nora virus got 2008 bmw k1200s one of your subsribes
Mate, I feel for you. All the best with the recovery, it's a nasty one. Thanks for the sub, much appreciated.
I too worry about the decline of the kids wanting to ride, and where the motorcycle industey is going.
It all has to do with how different the mentality of today's youth is, and that it's now much easier to purchase a car, than it was for us in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Even the Rules and Regulations for riding has drastically changed since we were young wild and free, becoming a lot more off-putting. Nobody wants to mess up his/her hair style by donning a helmet. Being the talk of the town with all their fancy Branded clothes and acceseries, that have to be visible at all times. The constant need to have a smartphone visible in your hand at all times, for the immediate response to Sheila's* selfie of her new mini leather D&G jacket....., etc. etc. There are so many more reasons that I could cry about for hours, so i'll have to shelve them all, until the day that we should ever meet up and have the oppertunity for a cry and a moan about the demise of this fantastic passtime together..., the hobby that we older folk still know how to appreciate, and even need at various times in our lives.
I have 3 adult kinds but only my youngest, my daughter, bothered to take her 2-wheel test, the other 2 (boys) have never entertained the thought. Maybe for Lynda, it was a natural progression as she was as a child always more interested in what I did, on and with the bike, and often accompanied me on many of my trips, visiting all sorts of wacky (kid friendly) places as soon as she could reach the pillion pegs. She even gets on with carpentry better than the boys.
It's all about the ways in which our society has changed..., a natural evolution I suppose, and now, just all part of the good old days that we were so lucky to be a part of. Haha, I feel I shoul be writing "amen" at this point, oh dear, how could I even think such a thought!!
I'm hearing you mate. Yes, there's been a shift of epic proportions since we were bombing around country lanes, not giving a hoot about what anybody thought. I'm sure all the things you mention, and more, have had some kind of impact on how the younger generation view motorcycles - as well as the uber fixation with safety too, which is of course understandable. We should meet up though at some point. Not sure where you're based but a trip to the Triumph factory in the spring would be a lot of fun.
invest in a cheap rechargeable tyre inflator
Am 54 got full uk 6 yrs ago it’s a bad test for young ppl very expensive an a shit load of bull not many young at test
If your into motorbikes ,then fine .A healthy interest .But if you look through the eyes of the non motorcyclist .Then were do you see motorcycles, in the every day . .You don't see them on the tv , i remember mark, from EastEnders owning a bike and hart beat . / Peoples, day to day .Goings about .There is nothing .. Adds on tv ,you could own this bike and go any were .Its so bad .And people wonder ,why it is the way it is .I cant remember ,the last monocycle item ,i think the hairy bikers .Was the last time i can think of some thing ,that put motorcycling out there . .And mcn is so bad for prompting motorcycling in peoples lives ,whats the motorcycle related news , ,,mcn is just all about, selling new motorbikes .NO NEWS .Every week .
I agree, bikes seem to be almost out of the picture all together these days. I wonder why that happened?
@@thebristolthunderbird Another way, at looing at the motorcycle situation here in the UK .Theirs no Barry sheen and joey dunlop . .The list is long .What does it mean to ,do any thing these days .Hear today gone tomorrow .That's the feeling of the racing today .Done, and onto next year. / I read mcn, from the back to the front ,to try to read some thing about motorcycling .And whats going on .
Hi Matt, I enjoyed your video on motorcycles. I'm Rose from Carpuride, a company that specializes in carplay. We'd be happy to provide you with a free sample unit, a motorcycle stereo with an intercom, a compass, and a barometer, so you can try it out and share it with your audience! How can I contact you?😊
Hi Rose, thanks! Wow, that's incredibly kind of you to offer, would love to try that out and put a video together. Probably best to send me a DM through my instagram @thebristolthunderbird and I'll send all the contact deets from there. Thanks!
Haven’t you already saturated the influencer’s on UA-cam?
@@davidmatthews3093 Yeah, with yet another distraction for people who are supposed to be riding a motorcycle - as if they don't have enough already.
I'm older now sure, but I just don't get it. Aren't the major draws of motorcycling freedom, adventure, discovery, escapism, being at one with your bike, the open road.....? That's what it always used to be. The perfect time to unplug from the "grid"? Nowadays so many of these people riding bikes are obsessed with gadgets and technology - phones, GPS, action cams mounted on every inch of themselves and their bikes, "motovlogging", constant visual and aural distractions, staring at screens just like they do every other place they find themselves in?
What happened to getting on your bike for an impulsive ride, just for the sake of riding - no planned destination even, just the thrill of the journey? Your bike and the environment provide the sweetest music of all to my motorcycling ears. Satnav? Why do you think we have some of the most comprehensive road signage in the world? What happened to following your nose to all manner of wonderful and unexpected places and experiences - that special stretch of tarmac, that amazing view opening up before you, that wonderful cafe stop or perhaps a food van at the side of the road, listening to the wildlife and the steady tick of your cooling engine and feeling more alive than at any other times? What happened to just opening the throttle and letting the journey take you where it will?
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My wife is 54 I'm 60 and we mostly see our age group riding. Our son 30 has his full licence, but a huge mortgage, work and cost of living means no motorcycle. Seeing the crowds at Motorcycle Live, I don't think motorcycling is dead yet.
I can definitely recommend riding out in Portugal & Spain
By the way, those little battery-powered mini compressors off Amazon work well, and you can keep them with you on the bike with a puncture repair kit.